Property Journal

Property Journal: May–June 2017

The way most people search for a new home has changed radically since the rise of the internet, but most people in the UK still buy and sell through a high-street estate agent – how long will this remain the case? Can the low-fee online agent steal a march on their more traditional competitors?

In this edition of the Property Journal, Sam Tyrer and Andy Jones give different but complementary views on some possible futures for estate agency. Also in the issue, Michael Parrett answers readers’ comments and queries, while other expert advice pieces cover renders and renovating older, prefabricated housing.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property rights are quite a new consideration in the built environment, but if you own an important asset you should make sure you’re not missing a trick in maximising their potential – in a world of Gherkins, Shards and Cheese Graters, identity counts, maintain Eddie Powell and Oliver Tobin. Protecting your data is vital too, and Emma Vigus explains why specialist insurance cover for cybercrime is a good idea for businesses, whatever their size.

We’re pleased, too, to present some facilities management business tips from 2016 Young Surveyor of the Year, Matthew Fedigan – his piece is worth a read by anyone trying to make a success of their SME. Ian Sparkes also has some facilities management wisdom to offer, reminding you not to forget straightforward good service for clients in the rush to distinguish yourself from competitors.

On top of this, we present reflections and advice on the status of the turnover lease, insight into a little-understood aspect of energy charges, as well as valuable information on making certain that commercial buildings are correctly insured.

Claudia joined Property Journal at its launch and took the helm of the Commercial section. She has 12 years of editorial experience in health, education and social care publishing across multiple formats.